Purl Review, Is Purl Non-Toxic?
Across 4 graded products, Purl averages Excellent (78/100). On disclosure, the brand says nothing publicly about PFAS. 3 of its products grade Good or better. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.
PFAS Authority is a scoring system, not a laboratory. We do not test products ourselves. Grades are model-based, built from published ingredients, materials, certifications, brand disclosures and third-party lab results where they exist. See the rubric.
Worth buying from Purl Good or better, best-graded first
Purl
Eco Ski & Snowboard Wax
hydrocarbon wax blend
Thermal degradation and fume emission
Hydrocarbon waxes can release volatile organic compounds when heated above 160C. Standard…
Microplastic or particulate shedding
Hydrocarbon wax does not shed microplastics, but degraded wax particles from normal use…
Ingestion risk (children or pets)
Hydrocarbon wax in small amounts is not acutely toxic but is not food-safe and can cause…
Brand PFAS statement on record, which we have not verified.
✓Brand claims PFAS-free (unverified)
Purl
Extremely Cold Green Ski Wax
Paraffin or hydrocarbon ski wax blend
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from heating
Paraffin wax heated to application temperature (70°C+) may release low levels of…
Skin irritation or contact dermatitis
Paraffin itself is inert, but some ski wax formulations include additives or residual…
Microparticle inhalation during buffing
Scraping and buffing cured wax off skis generates fine paraffin dust, which is generally…
Ski wax is typically lower PFAS risk.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Purl
Pro Race Wax
hydrocarbon ski/snowboard wax
Volatile organic compound (VOC) / thermal decomposition
Hydrocarbon waxes release fumes when heated during application. Undisclosed additives may…
Skin sensitization from undisclosed additives
Wax additives (antioxidants, friction agents) can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive…
Microplastic shedding during use
Fine wax particles generated during application and buffing enter the air and snow…
Likely lower PFAS concern, but brand discloses nothing about formulation.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Graded and flagged Poor and Bad, we’d swap these
Purl
All-Temp, Purple Ski Wax & Snowboard Wax - 65 Grams
wax blend, waterproofing treatment
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during heating
Heating paraffin and hydrocarbon blends releases minor aliphatic and aromatic VOCs; risk…
Skin contact or ingestion (incidental)
Ski wax is not intended for skin contact; minor dermal exposure during application is…
PFAS
Undisclosed PFAS content is probable given the 'all-temp' and water-resistant claims…
Water-resistant ski wax likely contains PFAS.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Purl and PFAS, common questions
- Does Purl have PFAS?
- We graded 4 Purl products, averaging Excellent (78/100). 3 grade Good or better. Grades are model-based estimates built from published materials, ingredients and disclosures, not lab tests.
- Is Purl non-toxic?
- Purl Eco Ski & Snowboard Wax is the highest-graded Purl product we have scored, at 100/100. It depends on the product line rather than the brand, so check the grade of the exact item you are buying.
- Which Purl products are lower concern for PFAS?
- The highest-graded Purl products we have scored are Purl Eco Ski & Snowboard Wax, Purl Extremely Cold Green Ski Wax, Purl Pro Race Wax. That is our model-based estimate from materials and public disclosure, not a lab test.
- Which Purl products should I avoid?
- The lowest-graded Purl products we have scored are Purl All-Temp, Purple Ski Wax & Snowboard Wax - 65 Grams. Each one links to the evidence behind its grade.
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →